From what we have been able to determine, outside mirrors were installed by the dealer and different dealers used what they could get. Hence, there is no continuity as far as outside mirrors go. Paul Schuster in PA sells a nice pair of outside mirrors for step downs, which are reproductions of a very common outside mirror used in the period on different marques.

My caution would be to MAKE SURE you can adjust the passenger side mirror so you can see correctly behind the car. Most will not allow the mirror turned toward the car body enough to allow view straight down passenger side of car. AND once the holes are made--tough you know what. Would not shop at a swap meet because you most likely could not return for refund if the mirror was not made correctly. Here is the photo of mine and the Walmart correction that I don't like but have not found a similar mirror that allows the correct adjustment.
Anyway, err on the side of caution !!! Good luck~~~~

I second the recommendation for Paul Schuster's mirrors!

A bit surprising that there was no standard from the factory. Its not overly surprising that the placement was ad hoc; my MGB has a fender mounted passenger mirror that is beyond worthless, although it is a British Leyland part.
Both of the Hornets I have been in had search light mounted mirrors, so they were infinitely adjustable. I don't plan on getting that fancy. not for the likes of this car.

Thanks for the photo.
R

There was indeed a standard mirror from the factory, that was used on most if not all the stepdowns from '48-'53. Problem today is, none of the similar mirrors have the special adjustment capability of the originals. They (originals) had a serrated "break" in the mirror arm, that let you adjust the mirror far enough inward that it's easily usable by the driver. Maybe someone can post a pic of one of the originals, to show this "major adjustment" feature.

I [i]have[/i] what I was told is an original mirror on the convertible. I even have it's mate on the passenger side. Then many pointed out on this forum that several different mirrors have been noted as "originals". Perhaps like many other parts, Hudson put on what they could get their hands on at the time. I had several different people email pictures of their "orignal" mirrors and there was quite the variety. I will post a pic of my mirrors later on today. If someone has substantial information regarding the side mirrors, I would be interested to hear it.

Can you see what you want to see behind you with the right side mirror?? If so you have a good mirror, regardless of what ever.

Like Richard,

I tried several mirrors until I found one that had more "adjustment" than the others.

Still not perfect, but usable!
I should note that the drivers mirror is located on the drivers door, and the passenger mirror is located on the passenger side fender.
Near impossible, with any mirror I've found, to place the passenger mirror in a location on the door that allows you to use it, without interfering with the wing vent/window.
I have a Hollywood, which may have a different arrangement from a sedan?

Rob

some one had a hudson ad showing the hudson mirror thay had rings around them like the wheel covers and a fin that looked like top front fender spears. i know some one with some ihave seen them

This mirror was taken out of a box of NOS mirrors. I was told that they were '52 Hudson mirrors. Later on, the mate to this mirror (now on the passenger side of the car) came to me indirectly from my grandfather, who bought it from the local Hudson dealer in '54 to put on his '53 Hornet. He bought it because he wanted a passenger side mirror on his car, but never got around to installing it before he sold the Hornet.

Thanks for the photos. Its a long shot, but you never know. Sometimes amazing things show up at swap meets.